Despite the high risk associated with asbestos, Canada continues be a leader in the export of building materials containing this toxic chemical. Much of these exports are to developing countries where standards for safe asbestos use are not necessarily present or enforced.
In Quebec there is not only a long history of exporting asbestos, but of its use locally. The town of Thetford Mines has gained a name for itself as the asbestos city, well known for its large piles of asbestos waste. These mounds have become something of a monument to local history and economy.
Following recent trends in western countries, the federal government has plans to ‘go green’ with Thetford Mines. Natural Resources Canada is moving forward with testing under Ottawa’s green mining initiative to turn the large waste mounds into at least a tourist attraction, if not a site for green energy production. Two studies will focus on separate aspects of the waste mounds; one on fertility and usability of the ground, the other on potential biofuel sources locked inside the piles.
Funded by $600,000 from the green mining initiative the studies are raising some concerns. Shifting or tampering with the large piles could expose harmful asbestos fibers. These fibers are known to cause several severe respiratory conditions including asbestosis and the rare cancer mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has no known cure and is responsible for an estimated ninety thousand deaths world wide each year. Although it is expected these concerns are to be given appropriate consideration, they do not as of yet seem to be stopping any project plans.
A third possible project for the piles is to turn the land into crop fields for biofuel production. This ‘trash to treasure’ venture will require further testing to appropriately qualify any risks involved with planting and growing crops on the waste piles.
Town mayor Luc Berthold is optimistic about the considered projects and not concerned about risky asbestos exposure. He is confident of the safe and responsible handling of the development and looks forward to the change. “I think that would be a nice project,” he said considering turning the waste piles into a green energy site. “It’s charming for some visitors.” A greener side to Thetford Mines may be just what the town needs. Berthold said, “We see this (mining) waste as a bank account. It could give our mining sector a second life.”